The 6 best fish, seafood and sushi restaurants in Hamburg

It may be world famous as the home of the hamburger, but as a port city, Hamburg also boasts a wealth of fresh fish and seafood plus an expanding range of restaurants dedicated to serving up this produce in delicious innovative ways.

1. Fischereihafen

The port-side Fischereihafen is a Hamburg institution. The elegant maritime-themed restaurant has an oyster bar and terraces with magnificent views overlooking the river Elbe. The menu features fresh daily fish specials ranging from traditional regional fare like smoked eel and scrambled eggs to more modern sophisticated fusion dishes like Asian-inspired tuna steak.

2. COAST by East

Located on the water with fabulous views over Hamburg’s HafenCity and Concert Hall this sushi and seafood restaurant serves up fresh local produce in creative and interesting combinations. Our personal favorites include nigiri sushi, sea bass prepared oriental style and beef tenderloin combined with pears and sugar snap peas. The downstairs bar, with an impressive wine selection, is a perfect spot for a pre or post dinner drink whilst taking in the atmosphere in this lively city.

3. Se7en Oceans

This intriguing Michelin-starred restaurant combines sushi, bistro and cigar lounge bar in a “multidimensional” culinary experience. The location, in the upper floor of the large Europa Passage shopping mall, may not feel top class, but the fantastic view of the Inner Alster Lake and Jungfernstieg combined with excellent food from chef de cuisine Fréderic Morel and his team more than make up for that. Apart from excellent seafood and sushi dishes, the restaurant offers an in-house patisserie, an expertly sourced cheese counter, an impressive wine list plus cocktails and chicken wings from the in-house bar.

5. Atlantic Restaurant

Set in the grand Hotel Atlantic Kempinski overlooking the Außenalster Lake, this traditional and elegant restaurant acts as a meeting place for large parts of Hamburg society. This restaurant’s signature dish is the legendary Atlantic Lobster Bisque that was created back in 1909 by Franz Pfordte, the then Maitre at the establishment.

6. Stocks

The menu at this beautiful thatched roof fish restaurant offers features northern German classics, sushi plus light Mediterranean dishes. The delicious fare is prepared by a first class team in the restaurant’s open kitchen.An der Alsterschleife 3, 22399 Hamburg. Tel. +49 (0)61 136 20 www.stocks.de/

Not a restaurant, but definitely worth a visit...

The place to be on Sunday morning is the city’s waterfront Fish Market (Fischmarkt) that takes place between 5am and 9.30am. Market stalls sell freshly caught fish, exotic fruits, nuts, flowers, coffee, tea and more to early rising locals looking for lunch time ingredients or to bleary-eyed sleep-deprived students needing sustenance after a hard night’s partying. Live bands and boisterous market criers (Marktschreier) add to this historic market’s lively and party-like atmosphere.